Tom Brady's first significant move as a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has backfired spectacularly, with the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after a mere eleven games.
A Failed Endorsement
According to a report from The Athletic, the legendary quarterback turned executive was a 'big advocate' for bringing the former Philadelphia Eagles head coach into the Raiders' fold. Brady's push was instrumental in Kelly's appointment, a decision that has now ended in dismissal.
The final straw came after a loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game which featured Shedeur Sanders making his first-ever NFL start. In the aftermath, the Raiders organisation moved swiftly to dump Kelly from the coaching staff.
Brady's Disappointment and Team Struggles
Insider Dianna Russini revealed the extent of Brady's regret, reporting, 'I'm told Tom Brady was a big advocate for bringing in Chip Kelly to run the Raiders' offense, and has shared with some people close to him his disappointment in the team's overall performance.'
Russini added that 'His frustrations go beyond the offense, too,' indicating wider concerns within the franchise. The statistics paint a bleak picture. The Raiders' offense has been deeply flawed this season, currently ranking as the third-worst in the NFL for total yards per game and the second-worst in points per game.
Kelly's return to the NFL proved unsuccessful, mirroring his previous tenures with the Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. Despite achieving significant success at the collegiate level, including reaching the BCS National Championship game with Oregon, his professional coaching record remains tarnished.
What's Next for the Struggling Raiders?
The team's overall record sits at a dismal 2-9 for the season. Their next challenge is a match against the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend, where they will attempt to reset under a new offensive coordinator.
This episode marks a very public misstep for Tom Brady in his new role, demonstrating that success on the field does not automatically translate to the front office.
